2018 Infiniti Q70

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 has received a new naming strategy; all models now feature the name LUXE to bring the sedan in line with other Infiniti models. The automaker has also introduced new naming for packages; the packages are now known as Essential, Sensory as well as ProActive. In addition, Infiniti has made the InTouch single display standard across the lineup. Except for these changes, the Q70 remains unchanged; it is still offered in standard wheelbase (Q70) and long wheelbase (Q70L) variants.

2018 Infiniti Q70 Exterior and Interior

As said above, the Q70 exterior profile is unchanged from that of the outgoing model. The exterior profile of the Q70 is almost identical to the smaller Q50. At the front, the two models share a similar trapezoidal grille flanked by similar headlights. The models also share a similar sculpted hood. The Q70 also comes with LED fog lights. On the sides, the Q70 features flowing lines that add to the elegant design. The model rides on 18-inch wheels as standard but opting for the Sport package gets you 20-inch wheels as well as a custom front fascia.

The cabin is quite comfortable, pleasant and is fitted with quality materials. Leatherette continues as the standard upholstery material. The model continues with its wraparound dash as well as the raised center console that makes the driver and front passenger feel as if they are cruising in a sports car. Front seats are heated and 10-way power adjustable. The sedan’s seats provide superb support even for long trips. Rear passengers will enjoy awesome legroom which is even better in the long-wheelbase versions. Long-wheelbase models add an extra 5.6 inches seat space at the rear. However, at 14.9 cubic feet, the Q70’s cargo space is average compared to other models in the segment.

I thought Infiniti would consider upgrading theQ70’s technologies as they look outdated. Since its launch in 2011, Infiniti has never upgraded the sedan’s technologies. In the current world, technology gets outdated almost every year making the Q70’s 7 years without an upgrade looks like an entire century. The model’s touch-screen features low-resolution graphics and unlike the current models which all feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Q70 does not offer compatibility for these technologies. These are must-haves in luxury sedans meaning Infiniti has really figured it all wrong. The model’s voice recognition system is complicated to use as it requires specific commands to function. The sedan, however, offers a number of buttons as well as a control knob for accessing the infotainment system.

Safety is well taken care of; the sedan has a full-range of airbags. The model also features stability and traction control, ABS as well as a reversing camera. Buyers can opt for the ProActive package that adds a lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control as well as automatic emergency braking.

Engine and performance

Buyers will choose from three engine options, a V-6, a V-8 as well as a Hybrid setup. The base engine is the V-6 with a displacement of 3.7 liters. The engine produces 330 horsepower as well as 270 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful gasoline engine is a 5.7 L, V-8 that produces 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Both mills use a 7-speed automatic transmission that conveys the juice to rear wheels in standard form, AWD is optional. The 3.7 L, V-6 is EPA rated at 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg on combined drives with RWD while with AWD, it returns 18 mpg, 24 mpg and 20 mpg in city, highway and combined drives respectively. On the other hand, the V-8 returns 16/24/19 in city/highway/combined drives respectively with RWD while with AWD it returns 16/23/18 mpg in city/highway /combined drives.

The hybrid drive-train involves a combination of a 3.5 L, V-6 with electric motors backed by a lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid setup produces 350 hp. The mill is the most economical with a rating of 28 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg on combined drives. This mill is however offered only in RWD; in addition, the hybrid power-train is only offered on models with standard wheelbase.

Price and release date

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 3.7 LUXE has an MSRP of $50,300 while the Q70 3.7 LUXE AWD fetches $52,450. The Q70 5.6 LUXE starts at $63,350 and $65,900 for the Q70 5.6 AWD. The Q70 Hybrid starts at $56,400. Models with the long wheelbase will attract slightly higher prices. The models are already available in Infiniti dealerships.

Competition

The 2018 Infiniti Q70 competes with other luxury sedans led by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6; other rivals include Lexus GS and Volvo S90.